Shared by Jess Mostert, Student Senate President.
This past Monday I found myself as I usually am, hustling and bustling about, talking with fellow students and colleagues, and thinking of which readings I had to do for the day. As I went through my busy day, I sensed a feeling of urgency that I didn’t necessarily welcome. Why do I feel such an intense need to be BUSY? Do I enjoy it? Yes! … and No. Although I enjoy my productivity and running about, I realized that something was missing. I was missing the quiet, and the One that can be found there.
This realization led me to invite a friend to take a walk around our Redeemer Victory Garden outside. We just walked, not always talking, and enjoyed the sun. I found myself profoundly moved by the very quiet I was experiencing. I had run (literally run) around for most of the day, and I had not taken a moment to be quiet with God. I had taken moments to worship God through hard work, fellowship, and moments of prayer, but the intimacy that can be felt when alone with God was missing.
I am reminded of Psalm 55:6-8
“Oh that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest – I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”
I know that I am not under the same attack as King David when he wrote this Psalm, but the words still reach me. There is a longing there for rest, and I connect with that very much. I am sure many of you reading feel the same.
I find there is a culture in University’s that idolizes overexertion (students, faculty, and staff alike). I have caught myself idolizing this and have even caught myself feeling guilty for taking quiet breaks. It is easy to feel like a person’s value lies in how much is accomplished in a day. However, the truth is evident in scripture:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Although God can be worshiped through the work, readings, fellowship, and various activities we do throughout the day, I encourage you all to seek out a quiet moment, and reconnect with the One that has bought you with his precious sacrifice. He will remind you:
I am God’s beloved. I am at rest in Him.
For your reflection:
What is God inviting you into in this time?
And how are you going to respond?